NHL veteran Eric Staal is transitioning into a management role.
The Buffalo Sabres announced Wednesday that the former star forward will serve as special assistant to General Manager Kevyn Adams.
Staal, who is 40 years old, officially ended his playing career last summer after signing a symbolic one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Staal joins a Sabres franchise currently facing an NHL-record 14 consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.
“As I looked for ways to enhance our existing staff, I wanted to add somebody to our group that has a fresh perspective and the direct experience of winning at all levels of hockey,” Adams said in a statement. “Eric was one of the first people I thought of when I originally became general manager, so it is fitting that he is the first addition to our organization this off-season. He has done it all as a player and I know his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our team as we look to take the next step.”
Staal and Adams share history, having been teammates on the Carolina Hurricanes, including their Stanley Cup championship season in 2006. Adams also previously traded for Staal to play for the Sabres in 2020 while he was GM.
Throughout his career, Staal was a six-time NHL All-Star.
Tristan Blackwood